# Solving the conundrum of industrial heat

- Show: [Catalyst](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst)
- Published: 2022-12-08
- Length: 46m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-12-08-solving-the-conundrum-of-industrial-heat

## Summary

John O'Donnell, co-founder and CEO of Rondo Energy, explains how thermal storage can decarbonize industrial heat by bridging the gap between intermittent renewable electricity and the continuous, high-temperature energy required by factories. He details the economic and technical challenges of industrial processes, noting that while direct electrification is possible, it is often insufficient for 24/7 operations without storage. O'Donnell highlights Rondo's use of solid-state thermal storage to achieve over 95% efficiency, enabling facilities to leverage cheap, intermittent wind and solar power for continuous production. The conversation also explores the emerging trend of industrial grid defection, where facilities build behind-the-meter renewables to avoid rising transmission costs and secure low-cost energy.

## Chapters

- [1:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-12-08-solving-the-conundrum-of-industrial-heat#t=81) Introduction: The scale of industrial heat and Rondo Energy
- [6:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-12-08-solving-the-conundrum-of-industrial-heat#t=403) Industrial heat applications: temperatures and processes
- [13:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-12-08-solving-the-conundrum-of-industrial-heat#t=835) Decarbonization pathways: hydrogen, heat pumps, and thermal storage
- [25:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-12-08-solving-the-conundrum-of-industrial-heat#t=1510) Rondo's thermal storage technology and efficiency
- [35:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-12-08-solving-the-conundrum-of-industrial-heat#t=2154) Grid connection vs. off-grid renewables and industrial grid defection
- [44:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2022-12-08-solving-the-conundrum-of-industrial-heat#t=2693) Conclusion and listener feedback

## Topics

- [Energy & climate tech](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/energy-and-climate-tech)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Rondo Energy (company)
- Energy Impact Partners (company)
- Canary Media (company)
- Energy Hub (company)
- Bloom Energy (company)
- Scale Microgrid Solutions (company)
- CohnReznick Capital (company)
- McKinsey (company)
- Long Duration Energy Storage Council (other)
- Evolved Energy Research (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Decarbonizing Industrial Heat with John O’Donnell, CEO at Rondo Energy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2023-05-11-decarbonizing-industrial-heat-with-john-odonnell-ceo-at-rondo-energy) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [Decarbonizing Heavy Industry: Antora Energy’s 2400°C Thermal Batteries](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-04-24-decarbonizing-heavy-industry-antora-energys-2400-c-thermal-batteries) (Hardware to Save a Planet)
- [138. How Thermal Batteries Will Scale Sustainable Energy ☀️🔋](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-09-05-138-how-thermal-batteries-will-scale-sustainable-energy) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [A Renewable Energy Future for Manufacturing w/ Gareth Evans](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2023-09-19-a-renewable-energy-future-for-manufacturing-w-gareth-evans) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [Decarbonizing Heating and Housing Spaces: A Conversation with Jane Melia, Co-Founder and CEO of Harvest](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2023-08-03-decarbonizing-heating-and-housing-spaces-a-conversation-with-jane-melia-co-found) (Hardware to Save a Planet)

## Citing this page

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